The final tenant has moved into her new bungalow in Amble, marking the successful completion of a scheme that has transformed underused garage sites into sustainable, accessible homes for local people.
Christina, a full-time wheelchair user originally from nearby Red Row, moved into her new home on Alndale just a few weeks ago. She is already describing the move as “life-changing” as she begins this exciting new chapter in a home designed to support independent living.
Her new bungalow was built on the site of former council garages as part of a partnership between Northumberland County Council and HUSK. Together, the project has delivered 14 spacious, energy-efficient bungalows across Amble, creating high-quality affordable homes while bringing unused brownfield sites back into purpose.
The homes are now owned and managed by Northumberland County Council and are being rented at affordable rates to local people in housing need.
The Amble development forms part of the Council’s wider Affordable Homes Programme. Since 2017, more than 2,470 affordable homes to rent or buy have been built across Northumberland, with planning permission already granted for a further 1,130 affordable homes.
Christina said:
“Although I am a full-time wheelchair user, I am determined to live independently, and my new bungalow has given me a new sense of freedom – it’s just absolutely fantastic.”
She added:
“I have carers who I pay for who come and assist me and help me get out and about. The bungalow is beautiful and spacious with everything I need in a home. I have definitely got my smile back!
“My father still lives in Red Row and visits regularly and my brother lives in Amble too.so I get to see more of him.”
Working alongside Northumberland County Council, HUSK used an innovative, cost-effective approach to deliver the development. The one and two-bedroom bungalows have been designed to provide comfortable, accessible living while reducing environmental impact and future energy costs.
Each home features an insulated timber frame and roof, air source heat pumps and solar panels, helping residents benefit from lower energy bills while supporting the Council’s ambition to achieve carbon net zero.
The development, funded by Northumberland County Council, includes homes across four locations in Amble.
Northumberland County Councillor Colin Horncastle, Cabinet member with responsibility for housing, said:
“The Amble scheme has turned some old buildings into really attractive energy efficient homes and in a cost-effective way too. The bungalows were designed with wheelchair users in mind, with a level access entrance, a wet room and wide doorways – which is ideal for Christina, and I am so pleased she is enjoying living there.”
Russell Edwards, Founder of HUSK, said:
“Our designs breathe new life into old brownfield sites and address local housing needs by creating environmentally efficient homes with a modern look and feel.”
“It’s fantastic to see these old areas smartened up whilst creating new and needed homes for this community.”
